Gayle back to be West Indies' best

Chris Gayle was strolling around in Tino Best's shirt ahead of West Indies' opening NatWest Series international against England. Best might have the surname but Gayle has the reputation. "BEST" communicated emphatically enough that, after a 15-month absence, West Indies' most domineering batsman is back in the fold.

With Gayle one of a host of destructive batsmen back for West Indies for the one-day leg of the tour and Kevin Pietersen having entered premature retirement from England limited-overs duty, it is possible to present West Indies, after their recent drawn series against Australia, as strong favourites, only for the usual tale of unsettled weather to bring England hopes of swing and seam and a potential get-out clause.

England would be well advised to protect their sanity by not studying too many statistics on six-hitting. There might be more to winning a cricket match than hitting a long ball, but the comparisons are striking. Draw up a likely West Indies top seven and they have hit 418 sixes in ODIs. Compare England's top seven and they barely muster 100. Gayle has hit more than the whole of the England side put together.

It is hard to imagine England debating in the bar who hits the biggest sixes; it would probably be frowned on as a sign of immaturity. According to Ottis Gibson, the West Indies coach, they do it all the time. "We have always talked about who hits the biggest sixes," Gibson said before listing eight contenders for the prize. Not surprisingly, when pressed he named Gayle as the most dangerous hitter of all. "Gayle is the best one-day batsman in the world and most destructive so my money will always be on him when it comes to hitting the biggest sixes."

Gayle's return has certainly been well timed for Hampshire. Their renaming of the Rose Bowl in a six-year deal with Ageas has been crucial boost at a time of great financial hardship; ticket sales also quickened the moment Gayle made his peace with West Indies, ensuring a near-capacity 14,000 crowd.

This is a very different West Indies side than the one that despite its impressive spirit was largely outplayed in the Test series. Gibson expects "about eight changes" adding: "At the start of the tour I said the one-day series provides us with our best chance of success and we still believe that. We believe we have got a great chance of winning games in this series.

"Gayle is a world class player and will strengthen us. He has always been a bit of a joker and prankster around the dressing room. He is his normal self and the team has always integrated guys very well. That has not changed. He has fitted in well and is raring to go."

Gayle's stand-off with the West Indies board has been so prolonged that Gibson would be naive not to recognise that his reintroduction to the squad has needed careful handling. But as England would testify in Pietersen's absence, if handling a star player can be awkward, compensating for their absence can be harder still.

"I'm not worried about the players coming through. I know what I'm capable of. My Test career is in my own hands."

Ravi Bopara

"Gayle has had his say," he said. "He said what he wanted to say and got things off his chest. He has seen the new environment. He has seen what we are trying to do. I am sure that coming back he will buy into it. We have spoken and he is very much on board with what is going on.

"It's a big thing to lose your best player. KP has been good in the last two one-day series and they were trialling him at the top of the order. It seemed it was going to work but now they have to put someone else in that spot and hope that person has the form KP had. Bell is very different and he is also a very capable replacement. We know we still have to work to get him out.

"Nothing KP does takes me by surprise. He is his own man and does what he wants to do whenever he wants to do it. That is his character. I am sort of surprised he is in such good form and chose to walk away from a format he likes.

"I kept playing until I was 38 because I loved game so much. It is disappointing to see a great player walking away from the game at a young age. But he is his own man and he makes his own calls. When he is sitting at home watching on TV he might miss it."

Ravi Bopara has rarely looked more hangdog before turning out for England. It could be that his endless run of misfortune makes him fear that, at 27, his international career is slipping away, not that he admits it, or it could just be that he expects to bat No. 4 in the first ODI against West Indies at West End on Saturday. Somebody told Bopara that he was batting in the "glamour position". Problem position would have been more accurate.

With Pietersen's retirement, England's 50-over plans are based around a top order of Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott, all very fine players, but all unlikely to leave Bopara with too much slack when he comes in to bat. The onus could be on Bopara to play enterprisingly from the outset and his career suggests that he prefers time to settle in.

Bell is fulfilling the opener's role that Bopara himself would have preferred to get: "Opening is not a bad role for him with the field up and his sweet timing of the ball," he said. "He can pierce those gaps like anyone and we've got to back him."

Bopara's task is to perform ably enough in one-day cricket against West Indies and Australia over the next month to regain his Test place against South Africa. Jonny Bairstow's troubled start at No. 6 gives him the opportunity. "It would be great if I could score heavily in this series and the Australian series," Bopara said. "It would put me in a good place. I'm not worried about the players coming through. I know what I'm capable of. My Test career is in my own hands."

Anyone knows, why Cris Gayle is not playing the 1st ODI ? . . After all the noise about residual issues and that finally being resolved, still Cris Gayle not in the 1st ODI. Very Surprising.

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | June 16, 2012, 8:11 GMT

@godfreyse on (June 15 2012, 13:38 PM GMT) From what I read , the qualities you put in your post were part the reason for Gibson's fallout with so many players. Gibson had a high standard of workrate/intensity etc and some of those players didn't want to do that. As I've out before WI have been more competitive with the current (so called inferior) line up than they were with the so called better players so either the so called better players weren't that much better or Gayle is getting that much more from the so called inferior players

POSTED BY
nandharox
on | June 16, 2012, 5:36 GMT

Amla n AB r d best... cant decide who.. Its like deciding b/w vanilla n chocolate..consistency is d key n they both hv it... Amla scores in the PP overs with new ball.. while AB scores boundaries easily in the middle overs when many struggle...they hv many century stands b/w them... being an indian myself i wud say kohli is way far behind than these two.. although the rankings suggest otherwise...i dont knw what the fans see in dhoni to consider him the best odi batsman.. the foundation wud hv been laid already by the top order sachin,sehwag,gambhir... he comes into the crease n scores at a strike rate of 30-40 for the first 30 balls he faces.. then leaves it to the last over n hits a fancy helicopter shot.. n fans say he is the best finisher to ever played... CRAZY!!!...
"Hey ottis gibson!!! Follow only domestic leagues eh?? I think its time already for you to start watching international cricket"

POSTED BY
The_bowlers_Holding
on | June 15, 2012, 21:56 GMT

Mahmood Butt whoever wins the T20 game will whitewash the other as they are only playing one game!

POSTED BY
Silva-Surfa
on | June 15, 2012, 14:19 GMT

In reply to Charlie 101: it's only now you realise Gayle has a huge ego?...In the case of Gayle wearing Tino "Best" shirt, is a indirect sign to England's bowlers that he's back and with alot of success in the t20s, is hungry to prove that he can maintain the same menacing form in the 50 over format. Whether he can back that up or not, remains to be seen. All banter and mindgames i guess, we'll see how the England bowlers bowl to him in this series.

POSTED BY
godfreyse
on | June 15, 2012, 13:38 GMT

Having said his piece about Gayle, Ottis has his best opportunity to take WI back to its winning ways. I do hope WI play all their IPL players, in the 1st ODI match. Play them not for their lusty hitting but for the foll. ingredients they bring to the table, compliments of the IPL.1.A strong sense of professionalism. 2.A high degree of 'cricketing' discipline. 3. The intense competitiveness. These r all required in order to start winning. The talent is already there. Openers Gayle & DR Smith, etc.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 12:57 GMT

bar intervention by weather,should be a good series.W.I has the team 2 beat england,jus need to bring their mental aspect of their game into good effect. remember d game is decided on d field of play and eng r at home in home conditions. d return of gale should be a huge boost forW.I d series sparks some interest 2 me given d make-up of d w.i team and eng without kp.

POSTED BY
Charlie101
on | June 15, 2012, 11:57 GMT

Gayle has a huge ego , hence his shirt with the "best" on it. His team mates must be thrilled to have him back strutting around the playing field. I thought the WI board was to blame but see it differently now

POSTED BY
mar2000
on | June 15, 2012, 11:21 GMT

Chris , a lot is on your head , so you better deliver.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 11:14 GMT

Looking at the ODI batting records in last few years hashim Amla is the best ODI batsmen by a big margin:
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/282911.html

Although Ryan Tendo is even above Hashim but he more often than not plays against easier teams so I would rate Hashim as best

POSTED BY
Sports4Youth
on | June 16, 2012, 16:23 GMT

Anyone knows, why Cris Gayle is not playing the 1st ODI ? . . After all the noise about residual issues and that finally being resolved, still Cris Gayle not in the 1st ODI. Very Surprising.

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | June 16, 2012, 8:11 GMT

@godfreyse on (June 15 2012, 13:38 PM GMT) From what I read , the qualities you put in your post were part the reason for Gibson's fallout with so many players. Gibson had a high standard of workrate/intensity etc and some of those players didn't want to do that. As I've out before WI have been more competitive with the current (so called inferior) line up than they were with the so called better players so either the so called better players weren't that much better or Gayle is getting that much more from the so called inferior players

POSTED BY
nandharox
on | June 16, 2012, 5:36 GMT

Amla n AB r d best... cant decide who.. Its like deciding b/w vanilla n chocolate..consistency is d key n they both hv it... Amla scores in the PP overs with new ball.. while AB scores boundaries easily in the middle overs when many struggle...they hv many century stands b/w them... being an indian myself i wud say kohli is way far behind than these two.. although the rankings suggest otherwise...i dont knw what the fans see in dhoni to consider him the best odi batsman.. the foundation wud hv been laid already by the top order sachin,sehwag,gambhir... he comes into the crease n scores at a strike rate of 30-40 for the first 30 balls he faces.. then leaves it to the last over n hits a fancy helicopter shot.. n fans say he is the best finisher to ever played... CRAZY!!!...
"Hey ottis gibson!!! Follow only domestic leagues eh?? I think its time already for you to start watching international cricket"

POSTED BY
The_bowlers_Holding
on | June 15, 2012, 21:56 GMT

Mahmood Butt whoever wins the T20 game will whitewash the other as they are only playing one game!

POSTED BY
Silva-Surfa
on | June 15, 2012, 14:19 GMT

In reply to Charlie 101: it's only now you realise Gayle has a huge ego?...In the case of Gayle wearing Tino "Best" shirt, is a indirect sign to England's bowlers that he's back and with alot of success in the t20s, is hungry to prove that he can maintain the same menacing form in the 50 over format. Whether he can back that up or not, remains to be seen. All banter and mindgames i guess, we'll see how the England bowlers bowl to him in this series.

POSTED BY
godfreyse
on | June 15, 2012, 13:38 GMT

Having said his piece about Gayle, Ottis has his best opportunity to take WI back to its winning ways. I do hope WI play all their IPL players, in the 1st ODI match. Play them not for their lusty hitting but for the foll. ingredients they bring to the table, compliments of the IPL.1.A strong sense of professionalism. 2.A high degree of 'cricketing' discipline. 3. The intense competitiveness. These r all required in order to start winning. The talent is already there. Openers Gayle & DR Smith, etc.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 12:57 GMT

bar intervention by weather,should be a good series.W.I has the team 2 beat england,jus need to bring their mental aspect of their game into good effect. remember d game is decided on d field of play and eng r at home in home conditions. d return of gale should be a huge boost forW.I d series sparks some interest 2 me given d make-up of d w.i team and eng without kp.

POSTED BY
Charlie101
on | June 15, 2012, 11:57 GMT

Gayle has a huge ego , hence his shirt with the "best" on it. His team mates must be thrilled to have him back strutting around the playing field. I thought the WI board was to blame but see it differently now

POSTED BY
mar2000
on | June 15, 2012, 11:21 GMT

Chris , a lot is on your head , so you better deliver.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 11:14 GMT

Looking at the ODI batting records in last few years hashim Amla is the best ODI batsmen by a big margin:
http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/282911.html

Although Ryan Tendo is even above Hashim but he more often than not plays against easier teams so I would rate Hashim as best

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 10:00 GMT

not too bothered who wins the ODI series TBH, I just want some exciting cricket...The last time I saw Gayle bat 'in the flesh' was at Edgbaston on the WI last tour, I took my son to watch his first ODI and we were looking forward to a spectacular show from Gayle, and what did he do?...he was out second ball...lol...so Mr Gayle, you owe me big time!...I want nothing less then a 60 ball ton with at least 6 sixes tomorrow............and England to win, of course! ;)

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 9:45 GMT

General agreement really, can't label Gayle as the best ODI batsman, you could say that he's the most destructive, when he truly gets going, but being the best is more down to not just being a difference-maker in a match, but the consistancy and stats to back up the claim of being the best. Should be a good competitve series, with all of the Windies ODI/T20 big guns back and England trying to bring the success that they have in test cricket, by showing that consistancy in the shorter game, as well as having home-advantage. I just hope that the unpredictable weather can hold out for the weeks to come.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 9:31 GMT

Those who are saying that Dhoni,AB or Virat are the best ODI's player then those guys must have not heard the name of Hashim Amla ....
This guy is a gem....

POSTED BY
MaruthuDelft
on | June 15, 2012, 9:28 GMT

Nothing wrong with the claim; Gayle is the best ODI batsman. He can decide matches within the first 20 overs. Remember Gayle is a great test batsman too; remember Windies' last tour down under. However on the whole as a batsman he is second to AB De Villiers. Indian batsmen including Dhoni cannot be considered for top slots. In a tough competition especially if it is away from India every Indian cricketer breaks.

POSTED BY
yorkshirematt
on | June 15, 2012, 9:05 GMT

Note the lack of english contributors to this story. Suggests a complete apathy to this ODI series. Even the euro cup, which we also have no chance of winning, is getting more coverage.

POSTED BY
jayrockkss
on | June 15, 2012, 7:44 GMT

England would come to their old ways of getting thrashed like the old pommie ways...exciting future lies ahead,,,westindies looks like team full of Shot guns and cannons...hurray

POSTED BY
kingcobra85
on | June 15, 2012, 7:38 GMT

Gayle is greatest batsmen in the world right now. He does all this with no fuss and within a weak west indies team..

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 7:09 GMT

DHONI AND AB R D BEST IN ODI FORMAT..

POSTED BY
JesseChuck
on | June 15, 2012, 6:39 GMT

Watson is the best ODI batsmen and then AB Then Galye then Dhoni Then Warner will be there soon

POSTED BY
Balumekka
on | June 15, 2012, 5:54 GMT

The best ODI batsman is AB, who can take any bowler anytime. None other batsman is even close enough to compare with him.

POSTED BY
SLfan
on | June 15, 2012, 5:51 GMT

I can't agree on the point that "Gayle is the best ODI batsman"...Probably we can call him "best T20I batsman" at the moment....Have to agree with Lakpj that AB Devilliars should be the best ODI batsman at the moment. Can not forget Virat Kholi as well. The guy is a gem and scoring heavily in every ODI..Apart from that I can not remember any consistent batsman to claim that spot.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 5:44 GMT

ENG vs WI in test 2-0
WI whitewash ENG in odi and t20

POSTED BY
RyanHarrisGreatCricketer
on | June 15, 2012, 5:32 GMT

hahaha just because he hits big sixes in the ipl
gayle does not become better than
Watson , AB and Dhoni

POSTED BY
avidhoni183
on | June 15, 2012, 5:28 GMT

@bruisers Even don't forget M.S.DHONI once the ODI's starts he will get into action.
He is in such a good form in ODIs he was not out 13 times in the last 20 matches and scored 7 half centuries and awarded 2 "man of the series" awards both against England.

POSTED BY
Haleos
on | June 15, 2012, 5:10 GMT

@Lakpj - Dhoni is a much better finisher than AB.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 4:03 GMT

Although i'm cheering for Aussies in the T20 cup,my 2nd choice team is this West Indies team that is playing some one dayers in UK now. Gayle, the Bravo brothers, Darren Smith, Narine and Pollard has got to be one awesome team. They may be light on in the fast bowling area compared to England and Australia but their batting power has me drooling.

What a great matchup. Jimmy Anderson and Broad bowling against Simmons and Gayle. They have the ability to get 4 wickets in the 1st 10 overs, but if they can't get at least 2 wickets in 10 overs, then you may as well put your fielders in the crowd to collect the sixers. Hope Cricinfo is showing it live.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 3:35 GMT

Sadly, when this team wins - and they will - Gibson and the inept WICB will take credit. List most of the players coming in - Dwayne Brave, Pollard, Narine, Gayle Ramdin, etc., and one will see the board and Gibson did nothing to improve their skills.

POSTED BY
Bruisers
on | June 15, 2012, 3:17 GMT

@Matthew Symons - Not Top 2 but its the Top 3 that are a "country mile" ahead. Don't forget Virat Kohli. Amla - 871, AB - 851, Kohli - 846.. But if you ask me Gayle will do better than these top batsmen in no time.

POSTED BY
AyrtonS
on | June 15, 2012, 3:00 GMT

Sadly, Gibson thinks that he is the star of the show.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 2:20 GMT

@Matthew Symons:- statistics and rankings not saying everything bro

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 2:01 GMT

I am just really upset with this boring schedule of games - three ODIs and one T20 in eight days? What do we do until then - look at the Euro Cup??? SHEEEEESSSSHHHH!!!!

POSTED BY
Lakpj
on | June 15, 2012, 1:00 GMT

I can't agree that Gayle is the best ODI batsman, yea he had been superb in t20 leagues, but he hasn't been great in ODI in recent times. AB is surely the best in ODI cricket. at present no one can come close to him.

POSTED BY
Midonoff
on | June 15, 2012, 0:44 GMT

@EnglishCricket do you really think England going to win 3-0, 2-1, and also win the T20 over this talented west indies team with Chris Gayle at the fore, no way, England have it all to do for this series.

POSTED BY
SNIFFLEATHER
on | June 15, 2012, 0:38 GMT

Good to have "Grampy" back in the fold, he'll bring some much needed experience to the top of the order. Hoping for a good ODI series, then a West Indies victory in the home series against the Kiwis. India away, Australia at home and then England away (in the bleak mid-winter!) has been a tough test for this young team, but they are developing well. Time now to step up and beat somebody.

POSTED BY
wifan16
on | June 15, 2012, 0:34 GMT

i think west indies have too many stroke players and allrounders..they need someone to stable the middle order..

POSTED BY
Maraduer
on | June 15, 2012, 0:26 GMT

I respect other people's views but to say Gayle won't make a difference in this team is like saying the sun isn't hot -.-. And for those saying Gayle isn't the answer for Windies problems I would say the same because he isn't. The answer to their problems is better management of it's board. Gayle is merely there to aid it's development and to make the best team possible, like how other teams in the world are doing. And for those saying he isn't the best ODI batsmen in the world,it is quite obvious he is still ONE of the best by far. Windies have a line up right now that looks promising, with some of the biggest hitters in the world, and some of the best wicket takers also. I don't care what anyone says, this will be definitely an entertaining series. It's nice to see the windies at full strength and their line is honestly looking great on paper. The english press is so busy printing excuses already that we should know by now who will turn out victorious.

POSTED BY
on | June 15, 2012, 0:10 GMT

The great thing about this team is that it practically picks itself and the WICB and its selectors cannot screw it up!! I expect a whitewash by Windies if the rain does not interfere with play. This WI team should win the T20 World Cup, since the T20 team is essential this team.

POSTED BY
budhead
on | June 14, 2012, 23:49 GMT

We think Gayle is the answer to our(WI) problem--not winning or competing but that is further fr the truth. One man cannot do it alone. I hate to diappoint many here, especially WI fans--The batting is still very shaky--And the bowlin is also suspect. However, I am hoping for the best in this ODI series.

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 23:45 GMT

@Hello13 To be fair, England won their last ODI series 4-0 against Pak in UAE so its just not true to say they can win only in seaming conditions.

Like some of these folks forget b4 20 20 gayle was one of the best odi bat, and top the rating a few times. Just check his odi stats and see compare to those heading the rating presently. Seen him blitz all opening bowlers over his odi career. And scored against top teams.

POSTED BY
shakki
on | June 14, 2012, 22:16 GMT

Surely, Windies are now the best ODI outfit.

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 21:44 GMT

Sorry but Gayle is not the best odi batsman. Theres a reason Ab De Villiers got the one day international player of year. And AB and Amla are the top two odi batsman by a country mile. Just look at the rankings.

POSTED BY
Hello13
on | June 14, 2012, 21:31 GMT

Im sure West Indies will do well. England are so dependant on conditions to be sucessfull its amazing. England will do well if the conditions favour seam bowling, otherwise i have the feeling that West Indies will win

POSTED BY
bzzd
on | June 14, 2012, 21:16 GMT

Give me a break - on his day Gayle can be devastating but too much of the time he disappoints. He is not the answer to Windies problems.

POSTED BY
Midonoff
on | June 14, 2012, 21:04 GMT

@EnglishCricket do you really think England going to win 3-0, 2-1, and also who the T20 over this talented west indies team with Chris Gayle at the fore, no way, England have it all to do for this series.

POSTED BY
tonobwoy
on | June 14, 2012, 20:55 GMT

west indies now have a team that can BEAT anybody...

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 20:07 GMT

Team for first one-dayer:Gayle, Smith, Samuels, Darren Bravo, Dwayne Bravo, Pollard, Russel, Ramdin, Sammy, Rampaul, Narine. England will have to pull off a miracle to beat this team. Batting up to #11; Excellent fieldsmen in Smith, Pollard, Russel,Dwayne Bravo et al; Experienced one -day bowlers. I cant wait for the series to begin!

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 19:54 GMT

worlds greatest domestic t20 batsman maybe.

POSTED BY
EnglishCricket
on | June 14, 2012, 19:14 GMT

This is exciting news even if you're not from the Caribbean because having Gayle back equals shear entertainment whether its the bat or the ball. Although I'm usually critical of the West Indies, they do have the talent but don't know how to utilize it as a team. But I still think England will win the ODI and probably the one of T20 match with the ODI either resulting in 3-0 or 2-1 to England but that's if the weather is good and the one of T20 50:50 but as an English supporter go with England but all the best wishes for both teams and lets hope there's good weather for once.

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 19:01 GMT

All is well that ends well. Now let's get down to the business of moving WI cricket forward. The 1st step will be to move to the top of the ODI ranking. We certainly have the tools for the job.And yes Gayle will have to play a decisive role. Happy hunting WI.

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 17:54 GMT

one his day marlon is more dangerous tha gayle he will prove it in this series......

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 17:51 GMT

Wow, 418 sixes! fantastic....England must be nervous at this moment because a positive result for them would be like wining the lotto.....My Squad: Gayle, Simmonds, Samuels, Darren Bravo, Smith, Ramdin, Sammy, Russel, Rampaul, Narine......Substitue Barath, Dwayne Bravo, Best and Chanderpaul

POSTED BY
Min2_cric
on | June 14, 2012, 17:41 GMT

good luck gayle...hope u get success...

POSTED BY
Rovin101089
on | June 14, 2012, 17:37 GMT

i would just like to know why is it that Shiv Chanderpaul has not been selected for ODIs. He is a world class batsman, even in this version of cricket. I think that he deserves to be selected and show his capabilities. please

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 17:30 GMT

with all the talk about who is and isn't capable of making runs,taking wickets and the likes are all speculation. this is what the field is for results not ole talk.

POSTED BY
chilled_avenger
on | June 14, 2012, 17:26 GMT

So Chris Gayle is the World's Best One-day Batsman now(At least according to Ottis Gibson)? I believe AB de Villiers,Hashim Amla,Virat Kohli and to a lesser extent Alastair Cook will be questioning that claim gven their recent form in ODIs ! Facing International quality bowlers bowling 10 overs per game is one thing while smashing unknown rookie bowlers like Prasanth Parmeswaran and Manpreet Gony for plenty in a "domestic" league is entirety another thing! Even when he played,Gayle was never consistently in the hunt for "World's best One-day Batsman" tag! Let's wait and see how Gayle fares in real International Cricket! Until then,de Villiers,Kohli etc, will be laying claim for the title of 'World's best One-day Batsman'!

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | June 14, 2012, 17:23 GMT

Good to see West Indies fielding in their strongest team at last. If these guys play upto 50% of their potential, they should easily beat England in this ODI Series. Can't wait for the series to kick-off.

POSTED BY
rukii
on | June 14, 2012, 17:12 GMT

Gayle might be the most destructive batsmen but not the best ODI batsman. He struggle against world class bowlers like steyn, malinga. KP,AB,dhoni sangakkara all are better ODI batsmen than gayle.
but inclusion of gayle will be huge boost to WI.

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
rukii
on | June 14, 2012, 17:12 GMT

Gayle might be the most destructive batsmen but not the best ODI batsman. He struggle against world class bowlers like steyn, malinga. KP,AB,dhoni sangakkara all are better ODI batsmen than gayle.
but inclusion of gayle will be huge boost to WI.

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | June 14, 2012, 17:23 GMT

Good to see West Indies fielding in their strongest team at last. If these guys play upto 50% of their potential, they should easily beat England in this ODI Series. Can't wait for the series to kick-off.

POSTED BY
chilled_avenger
on | June 14, 2012, 17:26 GMT

So Chris Gayle is the World's Best One-day Batsman now(At least according to Ottis Gibson)? I believe AB de Villiers,Hashim Amla,Virat Kohli and to a lesser extent Alastair Cook will be questioning that claim gven their recent form in ODIs ! Facing International quality bowlers bowling 10 overs per game is one thing while smashing unknown rookie bowlers like Prasanth Parmeswaran and Manpreet Gony for plenty in a "domestic" league is entirety another thing! Even when he played,Gayle was never consistently in the hunt for "World's best One-day Batsman" tag! Let's wait and see how Gayle fares in real International Cricket! Until then,de Villiers,Kohli etc, will be laying claim for the title of 'World's best One-day Batsman'!

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 17:30 GMT

with all the talk about who is and isn't capable of making runs,taking wickets and the likes are all speculation. this is what the field is for results not ole talk.

POSTED BY
Rovin101089
on | June 14, 2012, 17:37 GMT

i would just like to know why is it that Shiv Chanderpaul has not been selected for ODIs. He is a world class batsman, even in this version of cricket. I think that he deserves to be selected and show his capabilities. please

POSTED BY
Min2_cric
on | June 14, 2012, 17:41 GMT

good luck gayle...hope u get success...

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 17:51 GMT

Wow, 418 sixes! fantastic....England must be nervous at this moment because a positive result for them would be like wining the lotto.....My Squad: Gayle, Simmonds, Samuels, Darren Bravo, Smith, Ramdin, Sammy, Russel, Rampaul, Narine......Substitue Barath, Dwayne Bravo, Best and Chanderpaul

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 17:54 GMT

one his day marlon is more dangerous tha gayle he will prove it in this series......

POSTED BY
on | June 14, 2012, 19:01 GMT

All is well that ends well. Now let's get down to the business of moving WI cricket forward. The 1st step will be to move to the top of the ODI ranking. We certainly have the tools for the job.And yes Gayle will have to play a decisive role. Happy hunting WI.

POSTED BY
EnglishCricket
on | June 14, 2012, 19:14 GMT

This is exciting news even if you're not from the Caribbean because having Gayle back equals shear entertainment whether its the bat or the ball. Although I'm usually critical of the West Indies, they do have the talent but don't know how to utilize it as a team. But I still think England will win the ODI and probably the one of T20 match with the ODI either resulting in 3-0 or 2-1 to England but that's if the weather is good and the one of T20 50:50 but as an English supporter go with England but all the best wishes for both teams and lets hope there's good weather for once.